November 4, 2022 ~ Nicole van Palm, commonly known as singer Nicole Josy, passed away ~ Formed the duo Nicole & Hugo with her husband Hugo Sigal. The duo were selected to represent Belgium at the 1971 Eurovision Songfestival with Goeiemorgen Morgen. At the last minute Nicole fell ill and they were replaced by Jacques Raymond and Lily Castel who would reach 14th place. In their native Belgium however the original version would remain one of the better-remembered Eurovision entries ~ Van Palm was born in 1946
November 4, 2021 ~ Composer Mario Lavista passed away ~ Composed chamber music, orchestral and vocal works, and for film. Founded improvisation collective Quanta in 1970. As a composer known for songs such as Dos Canciones and the solo keyboard pieces Mater Dolorosa, Pieze Para Un Pianiste Y Un Piano and Simurg. Chief editor of Pauta, which he founded in 1982, considered one of the foremost music journals in Mexico ~ Lavista was born in 1943
November 4, 2020 ~ Singer, keyboardist, guitarist, songwriter Ken Hensley, full name Kenneth William David Hensley, passed away in Alicante, Spain ~ Best known as member of Uriah Heep, for which Hensley wrote or co-wrote a vast amount fo their best known songs including Lady Black, Easy Livin', Stealin' and Look At Yourself. Also worked with the Gods, Head Machine, Toe Fat, Weed, Blackfoot, John Lawton, and others ~ Hensley was born in 1945
November 4, 2017 ~ Composer, conductor Dudley Simpson passed away in Sydney, Australia ~ Principal conductur of the Royal Opera House. Best known as a composer for British TV series, including for many Dr Who episodes of the 1960s and 1970s ~ Simpson was born in 1922
November 4, 2016 ~ Keyboardist Eddie Harsch passed away in Toronto, Canada ~ Best known as the Black Crowes keyboardist from 1991 to 2006, replaced by Rob Clores. Also backed James Cotton in the 1980s. Played with Bulldog and with the Detroit Cobras during the Crowes's hiatus. Co-founding member of Magpie Salute ~ Harsch was born in 1957
November 4, 2012 ~ Jazz trumpeter Ted Curson passed away in Montclair, New Jersey, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Penned, and recorded the song Tears For Dolphy for his 1964 album of the same name, the song being an elegy for iconic saxophonist, clarinetist Eric Dolphy who died earlier the same year. The song would become widely used in films. Curson has collaborated with a host of artists including Cecil Taylor, Pepper Adams, Bill Barron, Nick Brignola, Andrew Hill, Charles Mingus, Sal Nistico, Archie Shepp, Andrzej Trzaskowksi, and others ~ Curson was born in 1935
November 4, 2010 ~ Colin James McGlinchey, commonly known as rock singer, bassist, guitarist James Freud, passed away in Melbourne, Australia ~ Best known as member of the Models. Wrote some of the band's best-known including Barbados and Out Of Mind Out Of Sight ~ McGlinchey was born in 1959
November 4, 2010 ~ Hector José Regalado, commonly known as percussionist, bandleader, songwriter Rudy Regalado, passed away in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA ~ Key member of El Chicano, joining the band in 1971 and present on some of the band's best-known including the singles Brown Eyed Girl and Tell Her She's Lovely. Fronted his own Chévere, known for the 1990s albums Mollendo Cafe and La Gloria. Toured with Aretha Franklin. Appeared on recordings by Quincy Jones, Joe Zawinul, Alphonse Mouzon, Alex Acuña, and others ~ Regalado was born in 1943
November 4, 2008 ~ Bassist, producer Byron Lee, full name Byron Aloysius St Elmo Lee, passed away in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Best known for fronting calypso, ska outfit the Dragonaires, credited with popularizing Caribbean music. The band appears in Dr No, the very first Bond-film, playing Jamaica Jump Up. As a producer closely associated with Toots & the Maytals, working on many of their single releases. Has also worked with Boris Gardiner (Reggae Happening), Hopeton Lewis (Grooving Out On Life), the Slickers (Johnny Too Bad), and others ~ Lee was born in 1935
November 4, 2007 ~ Songwriter Dorothy LaBostrie passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Best known for co-writing Tutti Frutti for Little Richard. LaBostrie later claimed she had writing the song entirely herself, dismissing Richard's claim he was the sole author. Also co-wrote Rich Woman, first recorded by Li'l Millet in 1955, later notably covered by Canned Heat. Wrote Don't Mess With My Man, a signature song for Irma Thomas ~ LaBostrie was born ca.1928
November 4, 2005 ~ Alternative rock drummer Mana Nishiura passed away in New Jersey, USA ~ In-demand session drummer for acts such as Droop, Jesus Fever, Teem, Cel. Best known as member of Shonen Knife from 2001 through 2004 and subsequently DMBQ. Died in a car crash while on an American tour ~ Nishiura was born in 1971
November 4, 2000 ~ Jazz, bebop drummer Vernel Fournier passed away in Jackson, Mississippi, USA ~ Best known for his association with pianist Ahmad Jamal, recording close to a dozen albums with Jamal and bassist Israel Crosby from the mid-1950s through the early 1960s including the highly acclaimed At The Pershing (But Not For Me). The album would become one of the all-time best-selling jazz albums and remains a favorite among aficionados to this day. Fournier has also recorded with the likes of Norma Simmons, Lorez Alexandria, Jimmy Reed (I'm Jimmy Reed), Frank Strozier, Sam Jones (Down Home), and Gene Shaw. Fournier remained active until the mid-1990s when a stroke confined him to a wheelchair, but he continued his teaching activities ~ Fournier was born in 1928
November 4, 1994 ~ Frederick Dewey Smith, commonly known as guitarist Fred Sonic Smith, passed away in Detroit, Michigan, USA ~ Guitarist of influential punk rockers MC5, best known for the pivotal 1960s punk rock anthem Kick Out The Jams. Later formed the Sonic Rendezvous Band, known for its sole single City Slang. Married to Patti Smith in 1980, the couple have raised two children together. The band Sonic Youth named themselves after Smith's nickname ~ Smith was born in 1948
November 4, 1994 ~ Lawrence Arthur Webb, commonly known as jazz drummer, bandleader Speed Webb, passed away ~ Popular late 1920s, early 1930s bandleader. Employed sidemen such as Art Tatum, Henderson Chambers, Teddy Buckner, Vic Dickenson, Teddy Wilson, Roy Eldridge, Joe Eldridge, Eli Robinson, Reunald Jones Sr, Melvin Bowles, William Warfield, Samuel Scott, Chick Wallace, Leonard Gray, Steve Dunn, and Sy Oliver ~ Webb was born in 1906
November 4, 1987 ~ Mariel Semonte Orr, commonly known as rapper Trouble, born in Atlanta, Georgia, USA ~ Has been releasing mixtapes since the early 2010s. Released his first full-length, the Mike Will Made It collaborative album Edgewood, in 2018. The acclaimed album would also feature appearances from Drake and the Weeknd. Guested on Lupe Fiasco's 2015 album Tetsuo & Youth. Guested on YFN Lucci's Key To The Streets single. Has also worked with Yo Gotti, Waka Flocka Flame, Trae the Truth, and others ~ Orr passed away in 2022
November 4, 1987 ~ Multi-instrumentalist, singer Wowaka born in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan ~ Best known for his Vocaloid music, using software to process synthesizer voices, and as a singer in the band Hitoie. His songs Rolling Girl and World's End Dancehall are considered highly influential ~ Wowaka passed away in 2019
November 4, 1984 ~ Alternative rock, indie rock, folk rock singer, guitarist, drummer, pianist, songwriter Nick Mulvey born in UK ~ Founding member of the Portico Quartet, leaving the band in 2011 to focus on a solo career. Released his debut EP The Trellis, in 2012. A full-length album, First Mind, followed in 2014. Best known for Cucurucu, which reached the UK top 30 in 2014
November 4, 1983 ~ Emma-Lee Moss, commonly known as indie pop, indie folk, neo folk, anti-folk singer, songwriter Emmy The Great, born in Hong Kong ~ Sings in Chinese and English. First gained attention guesting on Lightspeed Champion's 2008 Falling Off The Lavender Bridge debut album. Would release her First Love debut album the next year, spawning the singles First Love and We Almost Had A Baby. Has collaborated with Fatboy Slim, Ash, and others
November 4, 1976 ~ Jazz trumpeter Jeremy Pelt born in California, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Has worked with artists such as Ravi Coltrane, Roy Hargrove, Greg Osby, Cassandra Wilson, Eric Alexander, Dena Derose, Vincent Herring, Mike Ledonne, Harold Mabern, Cedar Walton, the World Saxophone Quartet, and others
November 4, 1975 ~ Operatic soprano Erin Wall born in Calgary, Canada ~ Closely associated with the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Has also sung with the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, the Paris Opera ~ Wall passed away in 2020
November 4, 1975 ~ Kaoru Ishibashi, commonly known as indie pop, indie rock, experimental singer, guitarist, violinist, keyboardist, songwriter Kishi Bashi, born in Seattle, Washington, USA ~ Founding member of Jupiter One. Member of Of Montreal. Released his critically acclaimed 151a solo debut album in 2012 and has recorded to a devout following since
November 4, 1974 ~ Singer, guitarist Cedric Bixler-Zavala born in Redwood City, California, USA ~ Lead singer, guitarist of At The Drive-in. Best known as lead singer of progressive rock outfit the Mars Volta and alongside Omar Rodríguez-López the only other constant member. the band acclaimed for the albums Deloused In The Comatorium, Frances The Mute and Bedlam In Goliath. Has also worked with Foss, the Fall On Deaf Ears, De-Facto, ANTEMASQUE, Anywhere, Big Sir, Zavalaz, and others
November 4, 1974 ~ Jazz tenor saxophonist Simon Spillett born ~ Worked with John Critchinson, Alec Dankworth, Clark Tracey, Robin Aspland, Johnny Dankworth, Stan Tracey, Liane Carroll, Tina May, John Ethridge, Guy Barker, Alan Barnes, Bobby Wellins, Jon Hendricks, Bobby Shew, Monica Mancini, Alan Skidmore, Steve Waterman, Danny Moss, Jack Arnell, Tony Levin, Spike Wells, Greg Abate, and others
November 4, 1971 ~ Jazz, blues, soul singer, songwriter, actor Gregory Porter born in Sacramento, California, USA ~ Released his debut album, Water, in 2010. Especially acclaimed for his 2014 Grammy Award-winning album Liquid Spirit and 2017's Take Me To The Alley
November 4, 1970 ~ Songwriter, politician Jack Tenney, full name Jack Breckinridge Tenney, passed away in Glendale, California, USA ~ Best remembered as a politician, especially for his role heading the Tenny Committee, researching “Un-American activities” for the California Senate in the 1940s and 1950s. As a songwriter best known for co-writing Mexicali Rose, recorded by Gene Autry, Bing Crosby, Jerry Lee Lewis, Slim Whitman, Vera Lynn, Jim Reeves, and others ~ Tenney was born in 1898
November 4, 1970 ~ Sara Magdalena Ernman, commonly known as singer Malena Ernman, born in Uppsala, Sweden ~ Best known as an opera singer. Has also performed chansons, cabaret, jazz, and appeared in musicals. To international pop audiences perhaps best known for representing her native Sweden in the 2009 Eurovision Songfestival, reaching 21st place with La Voix
November 4, 1970 ~ Anthony James SLy, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Tony Sly born ~ Best known as front man of punk rock band No Use For A Name ~ Sly passed away in 2012
November 4, 1969 ~ Dancehall, reggae producer, songwriter Dave Kelly born in Kingston, Jamaica ~ Engineer turned producer. Known for producing hits such as Nadine Sutherland & Terror Fabulous' Action, Bounty Killer's Look, Beenie Man's Dude, Cham's Ghetto Story, and Buju Banton's Blessed
November 4, 1969 ~ Ivory Jones, commonly known as singer, guitarist, songwriter Deek Watson, passed away in Washington DC, USA ~ Member of the Ink Spots from 1934 through 1944, present on hits such as If I Didn't Care, Address Unknown, Maybe, We Three (My Echo My Shadow & Me) and Don't Get Around Much Anymore ~ Jones was born in 1909
November 4, 1969 ~ Hip-hop producer, songwriter, rapper, impresario Sean Combs, also known as Puff Daddy or P Diddy, born in Harlem, New York, USA ~ Debuted in 1997 with the album No Way Out. Would go on to score numerous hit albums and singles, as well as become an in-demand producer, songwriter and collaborator. Produced artists such as Mary J Blige and Notorious BIG
November 4, 1968 ~ Grime, neo-soul ringer Cleo, full name Cleopatra Humphrey, born in London, UK ~ Also known under the moniker Mz Bratt. As a solo artist known for Who Do You Think You Are, I Like You, and Selecta. Has worked with Selah, Fugative, Tinchy Stryder, and others
November 4, 1968 ~ Glam metal, hard rock guitarist Stacey Blades, full name Stacey David Blades, born in Calgary, Canada ~ Perhaps best known for his association with the LA Guns through 2012, appearing on the albums Rips The Covers Off, Takes From The Strip, Covered In Guns, Hollywood Forever. Has also worked with Fraidy Katt, the Roxx Gang, Supercool, and the Electric Radio Kings. Released his Symphonic Slam solo debut album in 2009
November 4, 1966 ~ Frank Pucci, commonly known as singer Killjoy, born in USA ~ Best known as co-founding member and lead singer of death metal band Necrophagia. Also worked with Viking Crown, Ravenous, Wurdulak and with Enoch ~ Pucci passed away in 2018
November 4, 1965 ~ Hard rock, power metal, rock, funk singer, guitarist, trumpeter, songwriter Jeff Scott Soto born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Influenced by Sam Cooke, Steve Perry, Freddie Mercury. Best known as lead vocalist on Yngwie Malmsteen's first two albums. Briefly a member of Journey. Member of SOTO, Sons Of Apollo, WET, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and most notably Talisman
November 4, 1965 ~ Wayne Richard Wells, commonly known as guitarist, singer Wayne Static, born in Muskegon, Michigan, USA ~ Best known as lead singer and keyboardist for metal band Static-X. Released a sole solo album, Pighammer, in 2011 ~ Wells passed away in 2014
November 4, 1963 ~ Latin pop, flamenco singer, actress Rosario Flores, full name Rosario del Carmen González Flores, born in Madrid, Spain ~ Daughter of flamenco guitarist El Pescaílla and singer Lola Flores. Sister of singers Lolita Flores and Antonio Flores. Best known for her 2002 album Muchas Flores and its 2004 follow-up De Mil Colores, both of which were awarded a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Album
November 4, 1961 ~ Pop, rock drummer René van Collem born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands ~ Best known as Doe Maar drummer appearing on the album Doris Day En Andere Stukken. Also worked with Spargo, Powerplay, Sjako, Trijntje Oosterhuis, Herman Brood, Total Touch, Tiësto, Candy Dulfer, and others
November 4, 1959 ~ Rock singer, guitarist, percussionist Dejan Cukic born in Belgrade, Serbia ~ Best known as frontman, lead singer of late 1970s, early 1980s new wave outfit Bulevar. Subsequently worked with Bajagi I Instruktori and as a solo artist, releasing his Spori Ritam debut album in 1987
November 4, 1957 ~ Jazz trumpeter Eric Le Lann born in France ~ Worked with Aldo Romano, Henri Salvador, Jean-Marie Ecay, and others
November 4, 1957 ~ Jazz saxophonist, flutist Najee, full name Jerome Najee Rasheed, born in New York, New York, USA ~ Influenced by John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Yusef Lateef, Joe Henderson, Grover Washington Jr, Ronnie Laws, Hubert Laws, and James Galway. Toured backing artists such as Ben E King, Chaka Khan, and Freddie Jackson. Debuted as a solo artist in 1986 with the album Najee's Theme. Has been recording steadily since working with producers such as Barry Eastmond, Arif Mardin, George Duke, Marcus Miller, Wayne Brathwaite. Has recorded or performed with artists including Prince, Patti Labelle, Phyllis Hyman, Vesta Williams, Jeffrey Osborne, Stanley Clarke, Larry Carlton, Billy Cobham, Charles Earland, Paul Jackson Jr, Phil Perry, Melisa Morgan, Brian Bromberg, Frank McComb, James Lloyd, Chuck Jackson, Herbie Hancock, Sheila E, Patrice Rushen, Quincy Jones, and others
November 4, 1956 ~ Guitarist James Honeyman-Scott born in Hereford, UK ~ Co-founding member of the Pretenders. Present on the band's first two albums, 1979's The Pretenders and 1981's The Pretenders II which include some of the band's best-known including Brass In Pocket, Message Of Love and I Go To Sleep ~ Honeyman-Scott passed away in 1982
November 4, 1956 ~ Pop, rock singer Noel McCalla born in London, UK ~ Lead singer of Manfred Mann's Earth Band from 1991 through 2009
November 4, 1956 ~ Alt country, rock & roll, punk rock guitarist Tom Greenhalgh born in Stockholm, Sweden ~ Best known as member of the Mekons. Also worked with John Hyatt, King Tommy's Velvet Runway, Edward II & the Red Hot Polkas, Michelle Shocked, and others
November 4, 1954 ~ Guitarist, lyricist, songwriter Chris Difford, full name Christopher Henry Difford, born in Greenwich, UK ~ Founding member of Squeeze, known for songs such as Cool For Cats, Up The Junction, Labelled With Love and Hourglass, all of which reached the British top 20
November 4, 1954 ~ Saxophonist, flutist Horace Alexander Young born in Houston, Texas, USA ~ Active since the early 1980s. Has guested on recordings by Bubbha Thomas, Freddy Fender, BB King, Madd Hatta, Mark Ledford, Texas Johnny Brown, Youssou n'Dour, and his wife Regina Belle, married to the latter from 1985 to 1990. As a solo artist known for his Acoustic Contemporary Jazz album, released in 2008
November 4, 1953 ~ Rock, pop rock, country rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Van Stephenson, full name Van Wesley Stephenson, born in Hamilton, Ohio, USA ~ As a solo artist known for a number of 1980s recordings, notably You've Got A Good Love Coming, What The Big Girls Do and perhaps his best-known Modern Day Delilah. Co-wrote songs recorded by Kenny Rogers, Juice Newton, Restless Heart (The Blueest Eyes In Texas), Laura Branigan. Co-founded country rock band Blackhawk in 1992, known for songs such Every Once In A While, I'm Not Strong Enough To Say No and There You Have It. Stephensen left the band in 2000 for health reasons ~ Stephenson passed away in 2001
November 4, 1952 ~ Keyboardist Jeff Lorber born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA ~ Influenced by Herbie Hancock, the Weather Report, Chick Corea. Perhaps best known for fronting the Jeff Lorber Fusion, especially acclaimed for their 1981 Galaxian album. Over a dozen albums to his name as a solo artist, starting with It's A Fact released in 1982. Member of Jazz-Funk-Soul. In-demand collaborator, working with the likes of Dave Koz, Eric Benét, Herb Alpert, Carol Duboc, Laura Branigan, and others
November 4, 1952 ~ Singer Perry Como records Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes ~ Written by cuntry singer, songwriter Slim Willet who released his own version the previous October. Produced by Eli Oberstein Como's pop cover would become the best-known version, topping charts on both sides of the Atlantic. Other early versions were recorded by Red Foley, Ray Price, Skeets McDonald. Over time it would also be recorded by artists as diverse as Gisele MacKenzie, Lavern Baker, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, and kd Lang
November 4, 1951 ~ Christine Carol Newby, commonly known as performance artist, guitarist, cornetist, singer Cosey Fanni Tutti, born in Hull, UK ~ Best known as co-founding member of Throbbing Gristle. After the band disbanded in 1981 Newby would form the duo Chris & Cosey with Chris Carter, the duo at times also performing and recording under the names Carter Tutti and Carter Tutti Void
November 4, 1950 ~ Dennis Anthony Leopold Simpson, commonly known as singer, actor Denis Simpson, born in St Ann's Bay, Jamaica ~ Original bass singer of the Nylons from 1978 through 1979, leaving the band before they became commercially successful. Best known as a an actor and TV personality, notably as the host of The Polka Dot Door TV show ~ Simpson passed away in 2010
November 4, 1949 ~ Progressive rock, hard rock, rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Vittorio de Scalzi born in Genoa, Italy ~ Key figure in Italian progressive rock. Member of the Trolls and co-founder of its successor the New Trolls. The latter would breakthrough after opening for the Rolling Stones on the Italian leg of their 1967 tour. They would release their debut single Sensazione later the same year, a full-length debut album Senza Orario Senza Bandiera issued the next year. Acclaimed for their 1971 Concerto Grosso Per I New Trolls album, merging early symphonic rock with classical arrangements, and considered a landmark in Italian progressive rock. The band would continue to record and release records into the 2000s ~ De Scalzi passed away in 2022
November 4, 1948 ~ Howard Feiten, commonly known as guitarist, singer, songwriter Buzz Feiten, born ~ Replaced Elvin Bishop in the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, appearing on the band's Keep On Moving album. Played lead guitar for the Rascals on the albums Peaceful World and Island Of Real, for whom he also wrote Jungle Walk. Co-founded the Larsen-Feiten Band with Neil Larsen. In-demand session musician, present on albums by Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin (Spirit In The Dark), Don McLean, Syreeta Wright, Gregg Allman, Labelle, David Sanborn, Stevie Wonder (Songs In The Key Of Life), Randy Newman, Rickie Lee Jones, Jennifer Warnes, Randy Crawford, Bette Midler (No Frills), Curtis Stigers, and Jeff Lorber
November 4, 1948 ~ Pinoy folk, pinoy rock singer, guitarist, songwriter Heber Bartolome, full name Heber Gonzalez Bartolome, born in Philippines, Philippines ~ Besides guitar also plays the jaw harp kubing and bandurria, a stringed instrument similar to the mandolin. Known for merging rock and blues with elements of Philippine folk and religious melodies. Best known for songs such as Pasahero, Almusal, Inutil Na Gising, Karaniwang Tao and probably his best known Tayo'y Mga Pinoy and Nena with his band Banyuhay ~ Bartolome passed away in 2021
November 4, 1946 ~ Bluegrass banjoist Alan Munde born in Norman, Oklahoma, USA ~ Worked with the Stone Mountain Boys, Jimmy Martin, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Country Gazette, Sam Bush, and others
November 4, 1946 ~ William C Hancock Jr, commonly known as singer, guitarist, bassist Billy Hancock, born in Alexandria, Virginia, USA ~ Collaborated with Danny Gatton and Dave Elliott in Danny & the Fat Boys. Member of art rock group Fallen Angels. Backed musicians such as Fats Domino, Gene Vincent, Roy Buchanan, Charlie Feathers, the Clovers, Amos Milburn, Dottie West, Jean Shepard, and others ~ Hancock passed away in 2018
November 4, 1946 ~ Drummer David Garibaldi born in Oakland, California, USA ~ Best known as member of funk outfit Tower Of Power, active with the band from 1968 through 1980 with an ocassional hiatus here and there. Rejoined the band in 1998. Has co-written songs such as After Hours, Down To The Nightclub, East Bay, Oakland Stroke, Vuela Por Noche, You Wanna Be A Hero, and the band's best-known What Is Hip. Garibaldi has also collaborated with the likes of Gino Vanelli, Wishful Thinking, Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, Boz Scaggs, the Yellowjackets, Jermaine Jackson, Deniece Williams, and others
November 4, 1946 ~ Tomas Pacheco, commonly known as folk singer, guitarist, songwriter Tom Pacheco, born ~ Son of jazz guitarist Tony Pacheco. Briefly a member of psychedelic folk-rock outfit the Ragamuffins. Member of Euphoria. Virtually unknown in America yet enjoyed popularity in Europe. Well over 20 albums to his name, especially known for Woodstock Winter released in 1997
November 4, 1942 ~ Singer, songwriter Ray Columbus, full name Raymond John Patrick Columbus, born in Christchurch, New Zealand ~ Fronted Ray Columbus & the Invaders, best known for their 1964 Australian charttoppper She's A Mod ~ Columbus passed away in 2016
November 4, 1940 ~ Singer, songwriter Delbert McClinton born in Lubbock, Texas, USA ~ Energetic blues-rocker. Known for songs such as Givin' It Up For Your Love, Every Time I Roll The Dice, Sending Me Angels, and the Tanya Tucker-duet Tell Me About It
November 4, 1938 ~ R&B, psychedelic soul, pop, soul singer, songwriter Harry Elston born in Dallas, Texas, USA ~ Member of the Hi-Fi's, which also included Marilyn McCoo and Lamonte McLemore who would later co-found the 5th Dimension. Founding member of Friends Of Distinction, best known for their 1970 hit song Grazing In The Grass, a cover of a Hugh Masekela-instrumental with lyrics added by Elston. Other well known songs included Love Or Let Me Be Lonely and I Need You. Their 1969 Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit Going In Circles would later be notably covered by Isaac Hayes, the Gap Band and by Luther Vandross
November 4, 1937 ~ Blues, R&B singer Lillian Offitt born in Gallatin, Tennessee, USA ~ Debuted with the 1957 R&B hit Miss You So. Worked with Lowell Fulson, Johnny Guitar Watson, Earl Hooker, and others
November 4, 1935 ~ Conductor, composer, trumpeter Elgar Howarth born in Cannock, UK ~ To pop audiences perhaps best known as one of the trumpeters guesting on the Beatles-track Magical Mystery Tour. Formed New Music Manchester with fellow students Harrison Birtwistle, Alexander Goehr, Peter Maxwell Davies and John Ogdon. Has worked with numerous renowned orchestras. As a conductor perhaps best known for premiering György Ligeti's Le Grand Macabre in 1978 with the Royal Swedish Opera
November 4, 1932 ~ Folk singer, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter Tommy Makem born in Keady, Northern Ireland ~ As a solo artist best known for songs such as Four Green Fields, Gentle Annie, The Rambles Of Spring, The Town Of Ballybay, and others. Worked with the Clancy Brothers, Makem & Clancy, the Flying Fish, Red Biddy, Roger McGuinn, and others ~ Makem passed away in 2007
November 4, 1931 ~ Charles Joseph Bolden, commonly known as ragtime, jazz cornetist Buddy Bolden, passed away in Jackson, Louisiana, USA ~ Pivotal figure in early jazz. Influenced artists such as King Oliver, Freddie Keppard, and Bunk Johnson. Known for songs such as Carekless Love, My Bucket's Got A Hole In It, and Funky Butt ~ Bolden was born in 1877
November 4, 1931 ~ Ian George Stopfor Harrison, commonly known as singer Clinton Ford, born in Lancashire, UK ~ Popular 1950s, 1960s singer. Known for songs such as Too Many Beautiful Girls, Fanlight Fanny and Run To The Door ~ Harrison passed away in 2009
November 4, 1930 ~ Singer, film and stage actress, TV show host Armida Siguion-Reyna born in Malabon, Philippines ~ Sang leading roles in operas such as Rigoletto, La Traviata, Pagliacci, and The Merry Widow. Acted in well over two dozen feature films. Hosted Aawitan Kita, which aired for over 30 years making it one of the longest-running musical TV shows of the Philippines ~ Siguion-Reyna passed away in 2019
November 4, 1929 ~ Joseph Paul Florio, commonly known as songwriter, producer Paul Vance, born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Prolific songwriter with over an estimated 300 songs to his credit, often teaming up with Lee Pockriss. Among their best-known are Perry Como's 1957 hit Catch A Falling Star and Brian Hyland's Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Polka Dot Bikini, the latter a 1960 Billboard Hot 100 charttopper. The duo would be sued by songwriters Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and George Shadow Morton for their spoof song and Billboard Hot 100 top 20 hit The Leader Of The Laundromat recorded under the moniker the Detergents, which parodied the Shangri-la's' The Leader Of The Pack. The case would be settled out of court ~ Florio passed away in 2022
November 4, 1928 ~ Derek William Ley, commonly known as jazz saxophonist, singer Eggy Ley, born in London, UK ~ Worked with Mick Colliers, Eric Silk, Benny Waters, Cy Laurie, Hot Shots, and others ~ Ley passed away in 1995
November 4, 1928 ~ Jazz drummer, vibraphonist, percussionist Larry Bunker, full name Lawrence Benjamin Bunker, born in Long Beach, California, USA ~ Worked with Bill Evans, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Shorty Rogers, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Diana Krall, Gerry Mulligan, Art Pepper, Henry Mancini, Quincy Jones, Lalo Schifrin, Chet Baker, Gary Burton, Buddy Collette, Benny Carter, Clare Fischer, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Paul Horn, Richard Groove Holmes, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Plas Johnson, Johnny Mandel, Shelly Manne, Carmen McRae, Oliver Nelson, Tom Waits (One From The Heart), Bud Shank, Lew Tabackin, Warne Marsh, and others ~ Bunker passed away in 2005
November 4, 1926 ~ Carlos Valdes, commonly known as conga player Patato, born in Havana, Cuba ~ Worked with Las Sultanas, Mongo Santamaria, Julito Collazo, Armando Peraza, Conjunto Kubavana, Alberto Ruiz, Tito Puente, Willie Bobo, Machito, Charlie Palmieri, Art Blakey, Art Taylor, Max Roach, Herbie Mann, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Changuito, Orestes Vilato, Giovanni Hidalgo, Candido, Cachao, Benny Golson, Johnny Lytle, Johnny Pacheco, Duke Pearson, Alfredo Rodriguez, Bebo Valdes, Cal Tjader, Sonny Stitt, and others ~ Valdés passed away in 2007
November 4, 1924 ~ Organist, pianist, composer Gabriel Fauré, full name Gabriel Urbain Fauré, passed away in Paris, France ~ Considered of the foremost French composers of his generation. Served as the bridge between the Romantic era and modernism of the 20th century. Known for works such as Pavane, Sicilienne, Après Un Rêve, and Clair De Lune ~ Fauré was born in 1845
November 4, 1922 ~ Stride pianist Ralph Sutton born in Hamburg, Missouri, USA ~ Leader and sideman. Worked with Jack Teagarden, Bob Scobey, the World's Greatest Jazz Band, Peanuts Hucko, Ruby Braff, Dick Cary, Kenny Davern, Jay McShann, Johnny Varo, and others ~ Sutton passed away in 2001
November 4, 1915 ~ Sebastian Mure, commonly known as guitarist, songwriter Billy Mure born in New York, New York, USA ~ Recorded over a dozen albums as a solo artist. Best known for the Toy Balloons and A String Of Trumpets. In-demand session guitarist during the 1950s and 1960s, appearing on recordings by Paul Anka, Frankie Laine (Rawhide), the Ames Brothers, Eddie Fisher, Don Rondo, Marty Robbins, Bobby Darin (Splish Splash), Eydie Gormé, Connie Francis (Among My Souvenirs), Guy Mitchell, Tony Bennett, Kay Starr, Brian Hyland (Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Polka Dot Bikini), Johnny Mathis, Patti Page, Marcie Blane (Bobby's Girl), Ray Peterson, Johnnie Ray (Cry), Della Reese, and others ~ Mure passed away in 2013
November 4, 1912 ~ Cabaret, show tune singer, pianist Frances Faye born in Brooklyn, New York, USA ~ Worked with Bing Crosby. Wrote Well All Right, recorded by the Andrews Sisters. As a singer known for songs such as I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate, Mad About The Boy, Sweet Georgia Brown, and others ~ Faye passed away in 1991
November 4, 1907 ~ Claude A Benjamin, commonly known as songwriter, lyricist Bennie Benjamin born in Christiansted, Danish West Indies ~ Revered pop songwriter. Collaborated with composers such as Sol Marcus, George David Weiss, and others. Well known songs written or co-written by Benjamin include I Don't Want To Set The World On Fire (Harlan Leonard, Horace Heidt, the Ink Spots, Betty Carter, Frankie Laine), Oh What It Seemed To Be (Frank Sinatra, Frankie Carle, Willie Nelson), When The Lights Go On Again (Vaughn Monroe, Gene Autry, Vera Lynn, Lucky Millinder), Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood (Nina Simone, the Animals, Santa Esmeralda, Elvis Costello), Wheel Of Fortune (Kay Starr, Eddie Wilcox, Dinah Washington), and others ~ Benjamin passed away in 1989
November 4, 1906 ~ Michael Joseph O'Sullivan. commonly known as pianist Joe Sullivan, born in Chicago, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with Eddie Condon, Red McKenzie, Jimmy McPartland, Frank Teschemacher, Bud Freeman, Jim Lanigan, Gene Krupa, Bing Crosby, and others ~ Sullivan passed away in 1971
November 4, 1906 ~ Delta blues pianist Willie Love born in Duncan, Mississippi, USA ~ Influenced by pianist Leroy Carr. Best known for his 1951 recording Everybody's Gone Fishing. Worked with Sonny Boy Williamson II, Charley Booker, Oliver Sain, Elmore James, Joe Willie Wilkins, Little Milton, TJ Green, Junior Blackman, Eddie Shaw, and others ~ Love passed away in 1953
November 4, 1896 ~ Henry Macgregor Woods, commonly known as songwriter, pianist Harry M Woods, born in North Chelmsford, Massachusetts, USA ~ Best known for contributing to a number of Hollywood musicals including The Vagabond Lover, The Lady's Morals, Road House, and others. Collaborated with songwriters such as Mort Dixon, Al Sherman, Arthur Freed, Rube Bloom, Gus Kahn, and others. Songs written or co-written by Woods include I'm Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover (Nick Lucas, Ben Bernie, Jean Goldkette), When The Moon Comes Over The Mountain (Kate Smith), What A Little Moonlight Can Do (Violet Loraine, Billie Holiday, Billy Eckstine), and Try A Little Tenderness (Ray Noble, Bing Crosby, Otis Redding) ~ Woods passed away in 1970
November 4, 1889 ~ Louis Wilson Joseph, commonly known as vaudeville performer, jazz dancer, comedian Joe Frisco, born in Milan, Illinois, USA ~ Worked with the Original Dixieland Jazz Band, the Louisiana Five, the Ziegfeld Follies, and others ~ Joseph passed away in 1958
November 4, 1878 ~ Songwriter Jean Schwartz born in Budapest, Hungary ~ Frequent collaborator of William Jerome. Wrote or co-wrote songs such as I'm A Member Of The Midnight Crew (Eddie Morton), Chinatown My Chinatown (Grace Kerns, Milton Brown), the American Quartet, Louis Prima), Rock-a-bye Your Baby With A Dixie Melody (Al Jolson, Judy Garland, Jackie Wilson), Trouble In Paradise (Eddy Duchin), Trust In Me (Wayne King, Mildred Bailey, Louis Jordan, Etta James), and Wild Romantic Blues (Jane Green) ~ Schwartz passed away in 1956
November 4, 1847 ~ Jakob Ludwig Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, commonly known as composer, pianist, organist, conductor Felix Mendelssohn, passed away in Leipzig, Germany ~ Important figure in the early Romantic era ~ Mendelssohn was born in 1809